Chad and Rhonda are the brains behind Dropkick Math Academy. With almost 40 years of education between the two, they noticed a gap in the way children were learning math. Many would do well throughout the year but then would not have any retention of the mathematics they learned the year before. This led Chad and Rhonda to join forces and create a fun, personalized learning experience for students that would prepare them for the skills needed in the future. Dropkick Math Academy was designed to help change the way kids learn.
Who is Rhonda?
Rhonda has always had a strong aptitude for mathematics. After earning her Honours Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics and a Masters of Education, Rhonda spent 10 years as a grade 4 – 8 math teacher and another 7 years as a Learning and Development Educational Consultant in mathematics. She is passionate about helping children and adolescents develop a greater understanding of math and acquire skills that can help them in the future.
But Rhonda doesn’t just stop at helping the children! As an instructor for Wilfrid Laurier’s Bachelor of Education Program in mathematics, she realized the difference in learning that adults have and was able to connect the frustration that many caregivers felt when trying to help their children with math lessons.
As Rhonda helped her 3 children through math using various visual models and tools, other caregivers took notice. She started to share her strategies with parent friends who were having struggles with their children, and began to see the need to share the information with both the students and the caregivers who support them daily.
When Rhonda isn’t helping students and caregivers with mathematics, you may find her floating down the river in a kayak, hiking through trails, or camping with her family.
Learn About Chad!
Chad started his passion for science and math with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and a Bachelor of Education. Since then, he has been teaching students from grades 4 – 8, focusing on science and math.
Through his work as a special education specialist and a behavioural education specialist, Chad noticed a gap in how his students learned math fundamentals. Like himself growing up, he found that his students could mimic the example shown in class, but couldn’t develop a greater understanding of the mechanics of math until he started teaching it visually.
While teaching in a congregated behaviour classroom, Chad also began to notice the struggles that students were going through if they didn’t know the answer to a question. They would go to great lengths to keep others from knowing that they didn’t know the answer. At this point, Chad decided to start working with students to develop strategies that could help them deal with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty that they may be feeling during specific situations.
Outside of school, you can often find Chad training for his next duathlon, challenging his friends to a game of ultimate frisbee or hitting a trail with his mountain bike.
Relationships Matter
Rhonda and Chad believe relationships are the primary key to learning success. The relationship between parent, child and instructor is key to developing a fun and engaging learning math environment that can help a child build confidence and gain skills that will translate for years to come.
Dropkick Math Academy is one of the first of its kind to create a learning environment that involves the parent. The way mathematics is taught now is extremely different than it was 20+ years ago. Many caregivers struggle to understand why their child is taught differently, which can interfere with the support they want to give their child. With Dropkick Math Academy, the parent learns along with the child in a way that both can understand.
Learn more about our programs and give your child the opportunity to unlock their true potential today!
